DCA Judge Paul Hawkes

Judge Paul Hawkes was been a member of the Florida Bar for more than 25 years when he resigned his seat on the First District Court of Appeal. During that time, he has been dedicated to using his legal training for public service. Both as Judge Paul Hawkes and after his departure from the court he has made his home in Tallahassee, Florida. Before he became “Judge Paul Hawkes,” he had a great deal of experience working in a variety of public service positions. As a judge, Paul Hawkes has a lot to be proud of in his career, but one thing that he is most proud of his appointment to the First DCA by Governor Jeb Bush.

Below, speaking from his experience as a Judge, Paul Hawkes wishes to share some basic points about what it takes to become a judge, as he knows how important it is for others to work in government.

 

·         Perform well in college. Every judge, Paul Hawkes says tell anyone of the need to perform well when obtaining their bachelor’s degree before you do anything else. Because you need to perform well, you should choose an area you have an interest in. A degree in Political Science was the choice of former Judge Paul Hawkes.

·         Do well in law school. Law school requires a typical student to study perhaps as many as 30 different areas of law or practice. A lawyer can choose to focus their practice on as few as they wish. A judge, Paul Hawkes says will be exposed to every area of law and practice. Therefore, more academic exposure will benefit the would-be judge.

·         Get practical experience. As a judge and as a lawyer Paul Hawkes believes nothing is as beneficial as a broad range of experience. Because government is a litigant in such a large percentage of cases, government experience is always good. Clerking for a judge will expose any lawyer to the broad range of issues that come before a judge.

As a former judge, Paul Hawkes hopes that any lawyer who has a desire to serve in a meaningful way and who wishes to make a contribution would consider serving as a judge.